Principal, teacher shot dead

Education department mourns two essential staff members

Police have opened a murder case and inquest docket following the deaths of Khotso Junior Secondary School principal Mncedisi Nowewe and teacher Andisiwe Cwala.

It is alleged that Nowewe shot and killed Cwala before turning the gun on himself on Saturday afternoon.

The two taught in Ngobozana village in Lusikisiki. The shooting happened near a popular hangout and braai spot near the Ingquza Hill municipal offices on Saturday afternoon.

Police spokesperson Captain Nozuko Handile confirmed the suspected murder-suicide.

“A 48-year-old man shot and killed a woman before turning the gun on himself and he also died on the spot. Both sustained a bullet wound to the upper body and the murder weapon – a pistol – was found lying next to the bodies,” said Handile.

She said the shooting happened at about 4.15pm on Saturday.

“It is alleged the woman was at the braai place and the man later arrived and asked to talk to her in private. People heard no arguments and were shocked to hear two gunshots and the two bodies lying in a pool of blood next to the vehicle of the woman,” she said.

She said a murder case and inquest dockets were opened.

Cwala’s aunt, Bulelwa, 56, said she was shocked to hear of her niece’s death.

“Rubbing salt into the wound is the manner in which she died.”

Bulelwa described her niece as a responsible person.

“She was the sole breadwinner who was providing for my widowed sister-in-law who raised her until she became a teacher,” said the aunt.

“We have now been robbed of such a valuable member of the family who was everything to us all; death is so cruel.”

Nowewe’s family could not be contacted at the time of writing on Monday.

Provincial education department spokesperson Loyiso Pulumane said they were shocked by the news.

“The department has learnt of the sad news of passing away of two teachers from Khotso Junior Secondary School in Lusikisiki.

“Whilst the incident happened outside of working hours near the municipal offices, the department extends heartfelt condolences to all the relatives and colleagues of the deceased officials. May their souls rest in peace,” said Pulumane.

Handile urged residents to confide in the people they trust instead of bottling their feelings up.

“It is a sad scenario where two families and many people associated with them will now mourn deaths that could have been prevented if people had in time sought help. The school is [mourning] people who were crucial to it.”

The department extends heartfelt condolences to all the relatives and colleagues of the deceased officials